Facing questions about the back end of the bullpen, the Boston Red Sox targeted a veteran closer for 2025 and landed Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal worth 10.75 million dollars last December. The move came after uncertainty surrounding Liam Hendriks’ health and the decision not to re-sign Kenley Jansen, leaving Boston in need of a trusted late-inning option.
Chapman brings a resume of closer experience and high-pressure performance, giving the Red Sox a proven presence to anchor ninth-inning opportunities in a season loaded with evaluation of relief roles. His signing underscored Boston’s willingness to take a short-term risk for potential upside, with the goal of stabilizing a bullpen that could play a pivotal role in the team’s competitiveness.
By August 22, 2025, Chapman was actively contributing in late innings for Boston, appearing in the ninth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, signaling that the team intended to rely on his veteran leadership in high-leverage situations.
What this means for Boston moving forward is a mix of upside and risk. If Chapman stays healthy and maintains his velocity and command, he could provide a reliable closing option that reduces stress on younger relievers. If durability becomes an issue, Boston will need to lean on internal depth and other bullpen pieces to bridge late innings.
Summary: Boston addressed its closer situation by signing veteran Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $10.75 million deal last December, positioning him as the presumed front-line closer for 2025 after uncertainties about Hendriks’ health and the departure of Jansen. Chapman’s presence offers a clear path to stronger late-inning coverage, with the caveat that durability and performance will determine how impactful the move proves to be over the course of the season.
Additional value: If developing young relievers and managing workload remains a focus, the Red Sox could pair Chapman with a versatile bullpen group, using mix-and-match strategies to maximize late-inning leverage while keeping Chapman fresh for the most critical moments.